
In a state best known to the rest of the country for its bourbon and fried chicken, Louisville’s Benedictine spread is an under-the-radar local favorite. Consider it pimento cheese’s Kentucky cousin.
photo: Margaret Houston

This Bluegrass State staple is a cool, creamy dip that’s as simple as it sounds—beer blended with cheese, plus the cook’s choice of spices.
photo: Margaret Houston

No matter how you slice it, this classic will feed—and please—a crowd. Our recipe makes only one alteration to the basic formula: thick Texas toast provides a more solid foundation for the gravy-topped goodness.
photo: Margaret Houston

One thing you can’t do with burgoo? Rush it. This crowd-pleasing stew needs at least four hours on the stove. “You want to cook the meat and vegetables until they melt into each other,” says chef Ouita Michel. “I’ve seen some pictures online, and here’s a hint: If it looks pretty in a bowl, it’s not authentic.”
photo: Margaret Houston

It’s not Derby Day without a julep. This classic mint julep can be enjoyed any day of the year.
photo: Margaret Houston

Proponents of the beaten biscuit say that its firm texture and unobtrusive flavor are the reasons why it pairs better with country ham than its flakier kin. This recipe comes courtesy of The Kentucky Housewife, 1885.
photo: Margaret Houston

This twist on the classic Kentucky spread uses both pickled and crisp, sweet-and-salty marinated cucumbers, as well as a pinch of dill. Serve it on toast with a side of brown liquor.
photo: Jessica Fey

photo: MARGARET HOUSTON

Beer Cheese Buttermilk Biscuits
Biscuit dough spiked with flavorful beer cheese makes for a great comfort-food pairing.
photo: Garin Pirnia

This frozen twist on the classic julep is a make-ahead batch cocktail perfect for big parties.
photo: Margaret Houston

This Bourbon “Tea” doesn’t actually have any tea. Instead it’s a concoction of bourbon, St. Germain, and an ounce of simple syrup.
photo: Margaret Houston

With all the rich flavor of the original Hot Brown but less day-of hassle, this is a fun party snack with serious Kentucky roots.
photo: Courtesy of the Brown Hotel

It’s hard to beat a fresh pecan pie—unless you add a little bourbon.
photo: Johnny Autry

Kentucky’s Ale-8-One gets the cocktail treatment in this sweet-and-spicy sipper.
photo: Margaret Houston

The classic cheese spread gets the boilermaker treatment in this party favorite.